ALS Society of Canada registers for second year in Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

By:

Markham, ON, March 8, 2012 – ALS Society of Canada has registered once again in the Charity Challenge for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, taking place on October 14, 2012, and is challenging people to run or walk for all those who have ALS and cannot.

The event is held annually in the streets of downtown Toronto and is open for participants to race or run in the full marathon (42 kilometres), the half marathon (21 kilometres) or the shorter 5-kilometre run (or walk). This event is much more than a race. It is a great opportunity to give back to the community and help your favourite charity raise funds.

“Most people who are diagnosed with ALS lose the ability to use their legs in the first two years of the disease, which is why we are asking you to run for those who no longer can,” says Enzo Raponi, director of development, ALS Canada. “Choosing to fundraise for ALS Canada makes a significant difference for those affected by ALS; the funds raised through this event are crucially needed to support breakthrough research into the causes, treatments and ultimately, a cure for ALS”

Last year, thanks to everyone on Team ALS Canada, the STWM ALS Challenge raised more than $39,500. ALS Canada thanks its 2011 Gold Sponsor, Language Marketplace Translation & Interpreter Services (www.languagemarketplace.ca) for its continued support of ALS and for sponsoring the STWM ALS Challenge again in 2012. ALS Canada also sends its congratulations and a big thank you to our 2011 top three individual fundraisers, Ian Wiggins, Will Ingram and Mary Chudley.

Participants who join Team ALS Canada in 2012 to help us raise much needed funds for ALS will receive a free “Team ALS Canada” T-shirt and an ALS Canada bracelet. Individual fundraising prizes are also available at the following levels:

$500 – One (1) $50 Gift card to Cineplex Odeon

$1,000 – One (1) Canon Digital Camera

$2,500 – One (1) iPod Touch

$5,000 – One (1) of either a Nintendo Wii, a Microsoft Xbox 360, or a Sony PS3

$10,000 – Two (2) roundtrip tickets to fly to New York City

By joining the ALS Canada team, you are able to register at the discounted charity registration rate. Register at www.als.ca/STWMALSChallenge and enter the pin code 12SGCC when prompted.

ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rapidly progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease that causes the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the nerve cells die, people with ALS lose control of their muscles, which makes breathing, eating, and even smiling almost impossible. Eighty per cent of those diagnosed will die within two to five years.

The ALS Society of Canada, founded in 1977, is the only national voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS and support for those living with ALS. The Society funds research towards a cure for ALS, supports provincial partners in the provision of quality care for persons living with ALS, and provides information to build awareness about the disease.